Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack review

Mardee,
Sorry you did not like it. I like the short grab handles. The bag is a simple bag. Heavy items can sag uncomfortably at the bottom. Definitely not a computer bag. Perhaps, you need a more structured bag with compartments and organizers like an Ameribag. Something with a more rigid base and backing.

I use my Patagonia bag as an airplane underseat bag for mainly clothes and packing cubes. It works great in this regard. Not good for hauling 6 packs of drinks, though.
Best to you.

Thanks, Sun-Baked - I think my expectations were in the wrong place. I do love the bag but like you said, it's probably better for what you use it for than what I was trying to do.

That design and the materials are better used as a basic tote, definitely not intended for heavy loads or, carrying for any length of time; its a sack. Its a great pack to have available should you go to your store or, farmer's market. Several brands make a similar version from the original Dana Design's style, that Patagonia version is a nice improvement and with better colors.

This is an interesting turn !! Not what I expected. Thank you for reporting back, Mardee.

I hope you will find something that does the job you want it to do ..

Sounds like you'd do better returning it, with an explanation. I'm sure it cost you a chunk, and if you think it's not up to par, why not give it a shot? Thanks for the warning.

I learned with tote bags that there are 2 types of handles: 1) over-shoulder (long) and 2) short, grab handles. It’s important to know which version you desire.

Over-shoulder: good for carrying over shoulder. Con.: Does not work well as grab handles for shorties like me. The bottom of the bag will drag on the ground. Or, I have to cinch up on the handles which I hate.

Short handles: grab and hand carry only. Con.: Cannot be used over-shoulder.

As a somewhat short person, I can only do over-shoulder carry on smaller bags. Larger travel bags get too big and “boxy” for me to carry this way. I have to lean uncomfortably to the side to balance it. I do better with backpacks at this point for larger bags.

My tall husband doesn’t care and can carry just about anything, anyway he wants.
P.S. I have an older version of the Patagonia pack. Minor changes can make a difference.

zcorsair, I agree - if it wasn't so pricey, I might have kept it. But I have so many bags now for the markets that I really don't need another one for that. It is cute, though.

Kim, thanks - I hope so, too!

Wanderlust58, yes, thank goodness Patagonia has a great return policy. I had to pay for shipping but I had no problem with that. It wasn't their fault the bag didn't fit my needs. I still like the company. :)

Sun-Baked, yeah, I'm not sure where I am on that. My last tote that I used for decades had a longer sturdier handle and I carried it on my shoulder with no problem. Maybe I should bite the bullet and go with one of the heavier bags like the P.U.P.

I like my PUP. But, I wouldn’t want to carry it all day long to museums, etc.. It’s my daily work commuter bag. I also take it to grocery store/errands/restaurants and conventions. I could use it as an airplane underseat bag. It would be fine for visiting relatives. But, not a trip where I am sightseeing all day long.

I probably wouldn't take it out during the day while traveling. I stick with a crossbody bag when I'm walking around; usually the Tom Bihn Medium Cafe Bag. I didn't take it to Germany because the buckle broke and I didn't have time to replace it (that sounds better than "I was too lazy to replace it"). It's fixed now, though, and ready for my next trip.

@Mardee, as I mentioned in your earlier post, I got the Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Tote in canvas. I just traveled with it this week and I liked it for the most part. The bottom section was great for storing my food for the plane and with the structure, nothing got squished. I liked how it slipped over my new Briggs and Riley spinner carry-on. I have never had spinner wheels before and I can see why people like them. I never really had to carry the Lo & Sons tote during my cross-country plane trip. The tote did fit nicely under my seat. I did wish it had more pockets and organization inside the bag. I used my Tom Bihn small travel tray and one of my Eagle Creek packing cubes to give me more organization. I just love the organizational structure of my Knackpack backpack so I decided I will use that for international travel and the Lo & Sons for domestic travel. I can see advantages for both bags and am glad to have both of them.

I am sorry the Patagonia bag did not work for you since I know you put a lot of research into your choice. P.S. to further feed our common luggage addiction, I just picked up on Ebay an Eagle Creek Caldera Carry-on suitcase for $40 that was only used once. It matches a bigger bag I have. I really need to stop buying luggage.

Oh, itsv, now you've got me looking at the Lo & Sons tote again - and it's on sale right now! I really do like that bag - it reminds me the most of my previous Magellan bag that I had for so long. I really like that Knackpack bag, too, but I think it's a bit too big for what I want. And I'm with you on the spinners - I made the transition about 5-6 years ago when I went to Amsterdam and will never go back to a regular roller bag.